A summer crop of saints

These last several days of July have brought more than just hot weather and a longing for the cool days of autumn. We have had a bumper crop of saints to celebrate on the church calendar. On July 29th the church gives us St. Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. We've discussed Martha quite a bit a few weeks back as we looked at the Gospel Of Luke when Jesus visited her home. Martha was the one busy with all the work of chores and hospitality while Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening to Him teach. Martha, Martha, said Jesus, you are worried and anxious about many things. Mary has chosen the better part. I always remind myself that Martha is a saint too; so on the 29th we celebrate her feast.

Also on this day is the feast of brother Lazarus. Mary and Martha's brother, who died and was buried, was risen from the dead by Christ. Many of the traditions of the church report that Lazarus became a bishop of the early church after the ascension of Jesus.

On July 30 we celebrate the feast of St. Peter Chrysologus, a bishop and doctor of the 5th century church. In 424 Peter was elected a bishop and was renowned for his sermons and his writings. He preached about the incarnation of Christ and mysteries of salvation. He died around the year 450.

On July 31st we have the memorial of Ignatius of Loyola. He was born in 1491 and spent his early years as a soldier. He was converted to the faith and studied theology at Paris. He had many followers in France and later in Rome, impressed with his deep faith and spirituality and a keen intellect. He began the Society of Jesus; also known as the Jesuits. His amazing teachings and spiritual writings are credited with the renewal of the Church. He died in 1556.

Many who are trained in spiritual direction use Ignatian spirituality.

His great spiritual saying was Ad Majorium Dei Glorium; For the Greater Glory of God!

And as we transition into August, the 1st will bring us St. Alphonsus Liguori; another bishop and doctor. Born in 1696 he became a great doctor of both canon and civil law. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer; also known as the Redemptorists. He preached and wrote on moral theology. He died in 1787.

So we celebrate this summer our saints; whose lives and examples can inspire and encourage us today in our own lives and we strive to follow Christ and serve the church and the people of God.